Trotting industry calls for change

A RALLY at Lords Raceway attended by approximately four-hundred-and-fifty people has address “profound concern” over the future of harness racing in Victoria.

The rally, attended by members of Victorian Harness Racing Club, Trots Clubs Victoria, Vic Trainers & Drivers Association, Vic Square Trotters Association and Harness Breeders Victoria, was called after an update from the sport’s governing body, Harness Racing Victoria (HRV).

A $24 million loss was reported for the 2024 financial year, as was the announcement of cuts to prize money of up to $18 million over the next three years.

Speaking at the rally, Victorian Harness Racing Club Treasurer Shane Gloury said questions had also been raised to HRV about inflated numbers of employees and increasing expenditure.

“There are twice as many staff at Harness Racing Victoria as (at) Harness Racing NSW, and every time we query them on it, we’re told, ‘trust us, we’re efficient’,” he said.

“If you look at the expense lines, for the year ending 30 June, 2023 there was an extra $8.6 million in employment costs to manage our sport at HRV than in NSW.”

Several resolutions were carried unanimously at the meeting calling for the Minister for Racing to understand that reform is needed at HRV, a commitment is needed to fast-track HRV to a low-cost administration model, and it’s critical to ensure that HRV retains some form of equity in its 93-hectare parcel of land surrounding the Melton Entertainment Complex.

Mr Gloury encouraged attendees to contact their local MP to raise these issues.

“You need to email, or even better, arrange a face-to-face meeting with them,” Mr Gloury said.

“Harness racing provides 5000 jobs and $670 million in economic activity for Victoria, so let’s roll up our sleeves and get the sport back on track.”